It’s been a pretty strange week… nothing I can really talk about on here, but needless to say, some changes have been made for the better, and I hope that things can continue to go in an upward direction. As far as music goes, I have been kind of out of it lately, and as such, I’m pretty all over the place with what I have been listening to. Regardless, I managed to find five quality tracks for this week; a couple of them should have been featured earlier, and a few of them are even new for me. Regardless, its plenty to enjoy, so let’s get it going, shall we?
Ray LaMontagne – Let It Be Me
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_116_raylamontagne-letitbeme.mp3]
Last month I was catching up on one of the best shows of the 2008 fall season, Fringe, when I heard this song playing in the background during a specifically sweet scene. I was instantly thinking that I had heard it somewhere before, and I realized that it was the amazing Ray LaMontagne, and that I had in fact heard it, and that it was on my ipod! Well, cut to this week, when I realized that I hadn’t featured this song yet, even though I was just sure that I had, because it is so amazingly brilliant; what was I thinking? To rectify this gross error on my part, I made it a priority to get the word out about this song right away. This song is so sweet, tender, and powerful that Ray really tugs at your heartstrings as he gently begs to be the one that you choose. I love how simple, yet powerful the lyrics are in this song, and Ray’s smoky vocals really bring the emotion to the forefront. This is definitely a song I would already consider amongst my all time favorites; it’s truly that amazing.
Waves on Waves – We Want 2
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_116_wavesonwaves-wewant2.mp3]
I have been listening off and on to this one for a little over a month now, and for whatever reason, it never made it to 5SF because other stuff kept bumping it. However, that doesn’t mean that it is anything less than a quality track, and a total 80’s theme song at that! Seriously, this song is so retro eighties emo-before- it-was-emo that it isn’t even funny. I could really see this on an eighties soundtrack to some movie like Pretty in Pink or something like it. I love the subtle tones of the song, and the lead singer’s vocals are just sweet to my ears. I do think it is interesting that he looks like a brother, or at least a very close relative, of Tim Curry, however. Does it make you shiver with antici….pation?
Brandy – Long Distance
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_116_brandy-longdistance.mp3]
After one listen to her most recent release, Human, I kind of wrote it off as an ‘alright’ album, but it didn’t really resonate with me at first because of the attention my massive year end reviews required from me. Well, one of you asked me to give it another listen, and I did; there are some solid tracks on this record, and in typical Brandy fashion, she has picked some stuff that really sounds great with her voice. This is probably my favorite song on the album, as it is a solid and beautiful love ballad. I could completely do without the interlude that precedes it, though, so I deleted that from my ipod. I’m glad that it was suggested that I give this one another go, because I definitely liked it a lot better on the second spin.
Christina Milian – Us Against The World
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_116_christinamilian-usagainsttheworld.mp3]
I recently saw that Christina had a new remix out for this very song, and while I like the remix, I always feel like I should listen to the regular version, and in this case, I liked it even better. I have been a fan of Christina’s since her BRILLIANTLY amazing single, AM to PM captivated me a few years ago. Well, for whatever reason, she doesn’t seem to be able to make a big splash in the US music scene (well, Dip it Low had moderate success, didn’t it?), even though this is her home turf; but that hasn’t stopped her from making some solid pop music and disseminating it elsewhere. This song is from her upcoming album, and if it is as good as this lead single, I really hope it gets a proper US release, because I want to hear more from Ms. Milian.
Kelly Clarkson – My Life Would Suck Without You
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_116_kellyclarkson-mylifewouldsuckwithoutyou.mp3]
BIG SHOES. That is what Kelly Clarkson has to fill with her next album; especially after the debacle that was her not-so-hot previous album, My December. Well, earlier this week, she released her new single (Since U Been Gone II!!!), and I have to say, that I quite like it, and I think that she might be able to fill those shoes after all. At least, she is definitely going in the right direction; this is a slick pop track that harnesses her voice beautifully, and really reminds me of the Kelly that I fell in love with back in 2003, and even more so in 2004. I has been a while since she’s had a proper hit, and I think that if the rest of the album is anything like this track, then she might have another go at the top of the charts later this year. Here’s hoping we’ve got our old Kelly back… because by the sound of this song, I think that we just might. My ONLY gripe about this song, is that the chorus feels like it’s missing something… I feel like she should say “tonight!” or “today!” after “my life would suck without you…” (tonight). See what I mean?
Well, there you go. Five more songs for your Friday listening pleasure. I hope you liked ’em, and as always let me know what hot tracks are burning up your eardrums… I want to know. I really do! Now… off to enjoy a THREE DAY WEEKEND! YES!
By all accounts, this song should annoy this shit out of me. It is repetitive, and the vocals border on the realm of childish silliness. However, I now believe that it is the mix of these two elements that makes this song so freaking catchy and fun. I have heard this a few times on the indie XM station, and after hearing it again this past weekend, I went and downloaded it. The playfulness of the beats and the almost silly vocal styling makes for a real earworm that you are sure to be bopping your head to for the rest of the day after listening. I can’t wait to hear more from Matt and Kim, and I don’t have to wait long; their upcoming album is out later this month. Note: If you loved this song, you can download it right now 
Talk about making a rash decision and then realizing how wrong you are; I originally got annoyed by all of the hype and praise heaped on CSS. While I really liked their song Music is My Hot Hot Sex, I really didn’t see what was so out of this world amazing about them. Well, recently, I saw the video for Move, from their most recent album Donkey, and I have to say, I see it now. These guys are just crazy, and totally have such fun that you can’t ignore it. They remind me a LOT of Cibo Matto. This song is so catchy and fun, and the video is a riot. These guys are making some great music (the rest of Donkey is pretty good as well), and I am just glad that I was able to come around and see what others were seeing from the beginning. Beware, because this song will really pull you in; it’s infectious!
Jessica was a former Australian Idol contestant, and went on to record with other Idol alums in the band Young Divas, after Ricki-Lee departed. While I will openly admit that I had no idea she was even in the group, her recent release of this hot track really made me sit up and take notice. This song, with the blaring sirens and hot beats, is ready for the clubs. I have to say, that I am a major sucker for a slick beat and a catchy hook, and this song has plenty of both. Also, the play on the burn of a relationship (or a not-so-desirable left over of love gone wrong) is clever, regardless if it is a little dirty (even hinting at venereal disease is kind of, um, gross).
I first heard this a month or so ago when my friend Stu informed me that one of my favorite songs from the Same Difference album, I Need A House, was actually recorded before by Ms. Serneholt. Marie was in the band A Teens, and did a solo album after leaving the group, that actually has quite a few gems on it. The hook in this song is a piece of pure pop pleasure, and I am glad that he told me about her album that I had no previous knowledge of. I will say, that her voice is so close to Mandy Moore at times, that I can’t help but wonder why Marie didn’t get as much exposure as Mandy did. Oh well, either way, this song is brilliant, and I like it more and more with each listen.
Earlier this week, I got word that a new Toni Braxton song had leaked (thank you to my loyal readers for keeping me informed!), and after checking it out on the internets, I have to say that it is quite literally, an amazing dance pop song. Is there anything that Darkchild can’t do? Well, I guess he couldn’t save Janet in 2008, but there is definitely one thing that I hope that he can do in 2009; give Toni another chance at making it. Darkchild repeatedly produces very high quality pop music, and I am pleased to hear another song that I really like coming from him. Toni Braxton is an amazing singer, and has a bevy of hits in her hay day, but has since danced her way off into the land of reality TV; far away from her soulful and beautiful music. There have been many songs that I have completely loved from Ms. Braxton, and given how much I like this leaked track, and I suddenly very excited to hear more from Toni in 2009. If the rest of the record is anywhere near this good (more Darkchild, Toni!!!), she might have a full fledged comeback in store for 2009… here’s hoping that Darkchild’s hand is stronger for Toni than it was for poor Ms. Jackson last year (I still love you Janet, and Feedback should have done it for you!).
While this song may have come out way back in 2007 (waaay back, eh… lol), I only recently heard it when the dance mix surfaced. After really digging the dance mix, I was intrigued to hear the original, mostly because the lyrics were so emotionally driven and completely heartfelt; not to mention how much I related to them. Well, shock me, because when I heard the original, I realized that I had just heard a song that I would come to count amongst my favorite songs I’ve ever heard. This song is beautiful and amazing. The lyrics speak of pain that has been endured, and a painful solution to deal with the future of family and the unknown. This song completely speaks to me, and I relate wholeheartedly. I read a review of this CD, however, and someone got snippy and insisted that LeAnn would be better off singing about how “good she had it”, and to that, I call bullshit; it’s insulting to someone who has legitimately been through something to insist that they just get over it and move on. LeAnn has made a daring testament to dealing with a less than desirable family situation, and she has done so in the most beautiful way imaginable; I for one applaud her putting this out there and showing us some of her vulnerability. Screw you, reviewer… bravo LeAnn, girl, I certainly relate. I have been playing this song, non-stop on massive repeat since I heard it. It is truly amazing.
Something that you may not know about me, is that I DETEST Christmas music. Seriously, hearing holly jolly Christmas is like nails on a chalk board to me, so the idea of a Christmas album is almost a complete NO from me. However, when I saw that Sara Bareilles has contributed, I had to take a listen; she has done a somewhat “Christmas-ish” song in the past that I loved; her live cover of River is amazing. Well, the 30 second clip on iTunes proved this to be another amazing Sara B track, so I had to snag it. I have to say, that I appreciate how many of you readers asked me if I had heard this song, because it really makes me appreciate the give and take with us sharing our music tastes!! I wanted to feature it, because even though Xmas has passed, this song is more of a “winter” song (ha!), and it is still winter, so why not, right?! This counts as one “Christmas” song I actually love! 
I will admit that I actually screamed out loud a little bit when I heard that the new A Camp album was coming out in early 2009, and even more when I heard this amazing first single from that album (Colonia). I have loved Nina Persson for a very long time, and I count her amongst my favorite female vocalists; and the Cardigans are one of my favorite groups as well. With her previous A Camp album, Nina Persson did not disappoint me, and I know that by how much I am loving this song, that this record will probably be amongst my top records of 2009! See, I’m always calculating that list, people! I’m just hoping that they tour nearby; that would really make my day! As of this moment, the new A Camp is my most anticipated album of 2009.
Wow. Can we say amazing?! It’s no surprise that I love Feist, and when she released a deluxe version of her amazing album, The Reminder, I was floored that this song was included. It is a brilliant remake of the original guilty pleasure made famous by Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers. Feist’s sweet vocals paired with the Constantines is a real treat, and I am nothing less that elated to pass this one on to you. I love a GREAT cover, and this is truly a great cover of a classic hit. I hope that this treat gets some real attention, because its greatness really cannot be ignored. This song makes me want to go sing karaoke; right now!
Finally today, I am pleased to announce another highly anticipated album of 2009! I love the sweet throwback sounds of the Bird and the Bee, and their last album was a complete and utter delight. Well, they are scheduled to release their next album later this month (January 27), and judging by this first single, it should be just as good as their debut; and possibly even better. The Bird and The Bee are another one to watch out for this year, because if they keep going strong with their amazing jazz/dance/pop style that I love so much, I am sure that their sophomore album will be on my year end list too. I love when my favorite artists release new stuff and it is great, and like this song, does everything to make me excited about the rest of the record!
And finally… the moment you’ve all been waiting for, my number one album of 2008, by a landslide, is City and Colour’s amazing sophomore album, 
From the first sweet guitar chords of this album, through the tales of love, loss, and heartbreak, I was entranced by the sheer beauty in each song. Dallas Green (get it, a city, and a color? genius!) has an amazing quality with song writing, in that he completely wraps his heart around an emotion, and expresses it in such beautiful prose that I can really feel each break in his heart. Dallas’ stripped down acoustic style, accompanied by his incredibly beautiful and soothing voice really take each one of these songs to a level of mastery that I haven’t seen by many artists; both this year, and in my lifetime. With no facetiousness in this statement at all, I can say that Dallas Green has made a life long fan out of me with this album, and after becoming acquainted with his debut album under the name of City and Colour, I have definitely found someone that I would consider a favorite artist of mine; there aren’t many artists that I feel compelled to get everything they put out (demos, live tracks, bonuses, etc.), and City and Colour is definitely one of those very, very few. (thank GOD he is intent on using outlets like iTunes to churn these out, and I can easily get my hands on them!)
I want to start off by saying how it’s a damn shame that this amazing (A-M-A-Z-I-N-G) album will probably never be released here in the US, and as such, Will Young fans will be forced to shell out import prices to gain access to this amazing record. Additionally, it is a shame, because people that are not Will Young fans that would otherwise love his music will probably not be exposed to him, because of said release restrictions. Now that I got that off my chest, I want to talk about my favorite pop album of the year, Will Young’s amazing 
I first became a fan of Will when I heard the amazing song All Time Love (which is still amongst my favorite songs ever), from his previous release, Keep On. I ordered Keep On immediately, and never looked back; the brand of jazz infused, perfect pop that Will Young compliments with is gorgeous vocals fills the album, and makes for a truly amazing pop record. After falling so hard for Will with Keep On, I wanted more, and even though Keep On was his third album, his previous two efforts were bogged down by what one can only assume was a result of his contractual obligations from winning the first UK Pop Idol. While there are more than a few great tracks amongst them, the albums just don’t contain the confidence and sexy swagger that Will truly exemplifies on Keep On, and as such, I was anxious for something new (those albums are a little cover-heavy too). Well, given the fact that Keep On was released WAAAAY back in 2005, I was more than elated to hear earlier this year that Mr. Young would be releasing a new album in the fall. After hearing the lead single, Changes, I knew that the energy, power, and professionalism that Will had put into Keep On would be “keeping on” with his new album; Changes is a brilliant song. 
This should honestly be no surprise for most of the readers of this blog. It is no secret that Lady GaGa took me by storm this year, and the fact that she is FINALLY blowing up is a great indicator of just how amazing she is. Before the summer had even started, I heard the MASSIVE track, Just Dance, and it was at that moment that I knew that I wanted to know everything about Lady GaGa, because she was clearly the fiercest thing I had heard or seen in a very long time. Well, Just Dance was such an earworm, that I went on to declare it my song of the summer, and rightly so; I couldn’t get enough of the track. This led to a build up of extreme anticipation for more GaGa, which should have been met with elation upon the late July release of her debut, 
Buzz started to swirl about GaGa on the internet, and snippets of amazing track after amazing track began to surface; all of which added to my extreme anticipation for this potentially fantastic album. Well, something went awry, because her record release date was bumped by a few MONTHS, and it was then that I was just met with more and more frustration; apparently, the record company gods did not want me to get my GaGa fix as planned. 
For some reason, everyone has been going crazy over Duffy this year; who is just continuing that foray into the “sounds of the past” that really hit the mainstream last year with Amy Winehouse’s 
I feel compelled to mention this, because for me, Adele so far outshines Duffy at playing the same game, that it really makes me wonder where all the Adele love is hiding (well, the Grammys took notice, so I am not THAT bitter). From the first time I heard Hometown Glory back in January, I knew that I had to get my hands on everything that this AMAZING singer was going to release; her vocals are massive and so sweetly beautiful. She really harnesses the classic style that her predecessors like Billie Holiday and Etta James perfectly presented so many years ago. With her music, and amazing vocals, it’s almost as if Adele has the ability to transport you back in time to a bluesy cafe in the 60s, where she performs amazing song after amazing song for the patrons. 
(which was her age at the time of release) was released in the UK, and then finally in the US in the first few months of 2008. It really only took one listen to know that this CD would be perched near the top of my list; and look, here it is. She has made an album that is filled with heartbreaking tales about love and loss, and even though she sings from a place of youth, she really has a way with turning phrase to really hammer home her point. When she sings lines like “whenever you look at me I wish I was her” and “as you tear your way right through me/I forgive you once again/without me knowing/you’ve burnt my heart to stone” you really get the sense that the talent in Adele is not solely focused in her voice. She has made an epic debut, and it really blew me away this year. I will say, that I can not get enough of Adele, and I look forward to seeing her live early in 2009 when she comes to Atlanta. 
Sometimes, all it takes is a MASSIVE lead off single to gain major interest in your album. This is definitely the case with Uh Huh Her’s first full length release, Common Reaction. Late this summer, I heard one of the catchiest, most amazing pop rock songs of the year, Not A Love Song, and because of that track, I instantly pre-ordered 
(this is not something that I normally do). I couldn’t believe how much I liked the song, and I couldn’t stop myself from playing it on repeat. Well, a few weeks went by, and the album (which was pre-ordered at that point; which was a great idea, because I got it before it was released AND it is autographed) was highlighted on Logo, who allowed you to listen to the whole album before it was released. I definitely enjoyed it with the first listen, but one of the paramount features of this album for me, is that it is definitely a grower; somehow, it gets better each time I listen to it. It is electro-pop-rock brilliance, which features sweet female, electro-distorted beats, beautiful rhythms, and a lyrical journey to the land of heartbreak, relationships, and sex. 
Talk about “taking me by storm”! I had never heard of Kings of Leon before this autumn, and while on vacation, I randomly saw them on Saturday Night Live. I was intrigued by their sound, and when I got back home, I decided to check them out. At the time, they had the number one single on the UK charts with Sex On Fire, and I figured that they were definitely worth downloading. After I downloaded 
I was not expecting to get something so impressive and amazingly produced as I did. This album is raw, distorted, powerful, pure rock and roll, and each song becomes an anthem with the amazing vocals of lead singer, Caleb Followill. I’m not joking when I say that hearing his voice makes me a bit weak in the knees, and he isn’t too shabby looking either; I bet he gets laid a LOT. Seriously, that voice is emotive, fragile, tender, amazing, beautiful; I could go on and on about how much I love his voice, and the amazing music that accompanies it, which definitely made this one of my favorite albums of 2008.
Let me start this review off by talking about one of the best concerts I saw this year. The show was the amazing Feist, who managed to captivate me in 2007, and ended up at the 
(which I snagged before the concert to get reacquainted with him), and he was down right amazing in concert. As I mentioned, I first heard about him in high school, but I hadn’t really followed him; mostly because he’s a Canadian artist, and much of his work is difficult to get commercially here in the states. Well, I’m glad that this album was more readily available, because it was a huge surprise to me, and his album of aching love songs ended up in my top ten for the year because of how amazing it is. It seems that time has been good to Hayden.